Question

what nation had the strongest military force in east asia by 1900? china korea japan philippines

Explanation:

By 1900, Japan had undergone the Meiji Restoration, modernized its military, and had success in wars (like the Sino - Japanese War of 1894 - 1895). China was weakened by internal problems and foreign incursions. Korea was under external pressures (e.g., from Japan and Russia). The Philippines was a colony (under Spanish then American rule).

Answer:

Japan